Rock band Genesis are to reunite for the first time in nearly 40 years for an upcoming BBC Two special.

Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins will appear with the original lineup of Mike Rutherford, Steve Hackett and Tony Banks, something that hasn’t happened since 1975.

The band are reuniting for Genesis: Together And Apart, a feature-length BBC2 documentary on one of the most successful bands in rock history.

A BBC spokesman said: “From its first beginnings as a band of songwriters in the late 1960s to its final incarnation as a rock giant in the 1990s, Genesis could perplex and enrage the die-hards, whilst exciting and exhilarating the newer disciples.

“Made with the full co-operation of Genesis, the film reunites all original members of the band together for the first time since 1975.

“The film recounts an extraordinary musical story, exploring the band’s song writing as well as emotional highs and lows, alongside previously unseen archive material and rare performance footage from across their entire career.”

Sadly the documentary does not mean the band will necessarily reunite on stage soon.

Asked about a full reunion in December, Peter Gabriel told Rolling Stone: “It’s never been ruled out.

“I’m trying to picture a time when it would top my priorities list, though.”

The Genesis documentary, which will be shown later this year, was part of a wealth of new music programmes and initiatives launched by the BBC.

The BBC Music Awards, celebrating the year’s best popular music, will become a new rival to the Brits.

The awards will be the BBC’s biggest musical event after Glastonbury, uniting BBC One, BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 2 ahead of a live show with Chris Evans and Fearne Cotton.

The event will be held on December 11 at London’s Earls Court.

(Photo: Getty)

Prizes will include British artist of the year and song of the year.

And the BBC is to launch a campaign to introduce primary school pupils across the UK to classical music.

Schools will receive visits from members of BBC orchestras, screenings, school concerts and teaching resources.

The move comes amid warnings about the future of music education in schools as a result of government and council funding cuts.

A BBC spokesperson said: “Classical music is great for children. Not only is it good for their creativity, it can help with other subjects like maths, and even have a positive impact on behaviour.

“While millions of people already enjoy classical music, it’s right that we light the classical music spark as early as possible.

“The BBC is uniquely placed to help do this and we are delighted so many organisations have signed up to help us deliver the ambition of reaching virtually every child in the country.”